Gunshots were reported near the presidential palace in Conakry, Guinea's capital, late Thursday, prompting a brief lockdown of the city center by the army. Witnesses described scenes of panic as people fled the area upon hearing the gunfire. Heavily armed soldiers were seen patrolling the streets in response to the incident.
An official close to Guinea's leader revealed that 11 dissident soldiers engaged in a firefight with special forces near the palace. The special forces managed to overpower the assailants, resulting in three deaths and the arrest of eight others. The situation was swiftly brought under control, according to the official.
The soldiers involved were reportedly loyal to Col. Celestin Bilivogui, who had disappeared under mysterious circumstances almost a year ago after being arrested by special forces. Bilivogui's family and lawyers confirmed his death on Wednesday.
Following the incident, the city center lockdown was lifted. The ruling junta refuted claims of gunshots, dismissing them as baseless rumors and urging residents to resume their normal activities.
Guinea has been under military rule since the ousting of President Alpha Conde in 2021. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has been advocating for a swift return to civilian governance, with elections scheduled for 2025.
Col. Mamadi Doumbouya, the current leader, seized power three years ago, citing the need to prevent the country from descending into chaos. However, his administration has faced criticism for resembling the previous regime. In February, the government was dissolved without explanation, with promises of a new one being formed.
Doumbouya has rejected external interference in Africa's political affairs, emphasizing the need for African solutions to African challenges. Several West African nations, including Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, have experienced military coups, leading to shifts in their international alliances towards countries like Russia for security support.
